- Independent judicial inquiry to prevent future tragedies: Tessori.
- The governor hopes judicial oversight restores public confidence.
- Commissioner-led report “confirms 79 deaths” in Gul Plaza fire.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has sought the formation of a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the deadly Gul Plaza fire, stressing the need for a transparent, independent and credible investigation to establish causes, legal lapses and responsibilities.
Karachi’s biggest fire in more than a decade broke out on January 17 and quickly spread through the sprawling shopping complex famous for its 1,200 family-owned shops selling wedding wear, toys, crockery and other goods.
The search for the deadly mall fire culminated after ten days of arduous rescue and relief efforts, and the burned mall was sealed off on Tuesday.
In a letter to Sindh High Court Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, the governor stated that the blaze at Gul Plaza resulted in irreparable loss of life and was an extremely serious matter that required a judicial inquiry.
He stressed that only an independent investigation will guarantee accountability and help prevent such disasters from recurring.
“Given the seriousness of the incident and widespread public concern, there is an imperative need for a transparent, independent and credible investigation,” the governor wrote, adding that any person or institution found responsible must be identified in accordance with the law.
Governor Tessori expressed hope that an investigation conducted under judicial supervision would restore public confidence.
The Commissioner’s Report on the Gul Plaza Fire
Meanwhile, an inquiry report prepared by a committee headed by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has confirmed that 79 people lost their lives in the Gul Plaza fire, sources said. Pakinomist newsunderscoring the magnitude of the tragedy the governor cited in his letter.
According to the sources, the report – to be submitted to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah – details the causes of the fire, fire brigade response, rescue operations and subsequent relief efforts based on accounts from victims, eyewitnesses and rescue officers.
The fire broke out at around 10.15pm on January 17, while the fire brigade was notified at 10.26pm. The first fire tender reached the scene at 10.37 p.m., where Deputy Commissioner Syd arrived at 22.30 and the rescue personnel 1122 at 22.53.
Investigators concluded that the fire started in a flower shop on the ground floor, allegedly caused by a child, and quickly spread through air conditioning ducts to other parts of the building. The majority of the deaths occurred on the mezzanine.
Earlier, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said concerns regarding possible sabotage or terrorism had been raised, but clarity was still lacking. He added that anti-terror provisions would be included in the FIR if sufficient evidence emerged during the investigation.
Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced plans to rebuild shops at the site within two years, saying the remaining structure of Gul Plaza would be demolished.
